Understand the Basics of Aligning Needle on Brother Sewing Machines
When it comes to needle alignment, you need to make sure your Brother sewing machine needle is centred correctly. This involves the correct placement of the needle in the right side, the correct slot so that it can move freely and the correct orientation of the needle with respect to the fabric. This is especially important when working with thin, sheer fabrics and when you need to create a precise stitch. A lot of users get stuck while trying to align their needle as they don’t understand its importance.
It is of utmost importance that you regularly inspect your needle alignment, as even the slightest misalignment can ruin the fabrication and can also damage the machine itself. The alignment procedure for Brother sewing machine is quite simple and does not take a lot of time.
How To Align Needle on Brother Sewing Machines
The first step is to thread the machine, i.e. slide the thread in the needle and thread through the correct slot. A good quality thread should be used while aligning the needle, preferably one that matches the fabric you are working on. Also, check if the needle is properly locked in the machine. If the thread doesn’t slide through the needle, loosen the needle screw nearby to its eye.
Now you need to position the needle in the machine. There is normally a groove at the lower end of the needle which should fit at the bottom of the holder’s groove. Then you should rotate the needle slightly and fit it accurately in the holder. This should be done gently and carefully. Do not forget to use your Allen wrench to tighten the needle once it is aligned.
The most common problem faced while aligning the needle is that of the flat shank of the needle not fitting into the holder. This results in the needle being misaligned or held in a wrong position in the machine body. To rectify this, you should make sure that there is no thread or fabric on the needle and use a flat needle so that there is no problem while trying to fit it in the holder.
Once you have assembled the needle, it’s time to check if the needle is aligned horizontally. To check this, gently press the needle down with your finger, you should feel the needle center in the center of the groove. Small adjustments can be made with the Allen key. Twist it slightly in clockwise or anticlockwise direction if any adjustment is required.
Tips For Best Results
For best results, it is recommended to use a special needle alignment tool. It makes the alignment process simpler and faster, without any guess work. It’s a small and affordable tool which you can get from any hobby shop or online store.
It is advised to clean the needle holder using a damp cloth, prior to alignment. This prevents dust and rust from obstructing the needle holder. It is also important to inspect the needle size and shape before you start aligning it. Any mismatched or damaged needle can also cause misalignment, so ensure that the needle you’re using is in perfect condition.
It is also advised to use gloves while adjusting the needle as it can cause injury if left unmonitored. If gloves are not available, use a small towel or cloth to hold the needle, as a precautionary measure.
Care and Maintenance After Aligning Needle
Once you’ve aligned the needle properly, you need to ensure that it is well-maintained. This includes removing the fabric scraps and thread pieces from the needle chamber and wiping down the needle holder with a soft, clean cloth. You should regularly inspect the needle and threading, as any hair or thread fragments can jam the mechanism or cause misalignment again.
It is also important to oil the parts of the needle alignment every few weeks with sewing machine oil, as this helps keep it working in tip-top shape and also prevents it from tightening and rusting. Additionally, ensure that your machine is mounted securely and placed away from any water or dust.
Why Professional Help is Recommended
Aligning the needle on your Brother sewing machine is not a common activity, and it is often recommended to take professional assistance for perfect alignment, especially if you are a beginner. Professional help ensures that your machine is working in the best possible condition, without causing any damages due to misalignment.
Moreover, a professional technician can also advise on other maintenance routines such as lubrication and care for your machine. They can also provide useful tips and techniques on how to align the needle in future, and also inspect the machine for any defects to ensure that it runs flawlessly.
What Other Alignment Tools are Available?
Apart from the needle alignment tool already discussed, there are other tools available in the market which could help you in aligning your needle accurately. This includes needle centring plates, laser spectacle alignment jigs, and needle setters with magnetic backing.
There are also electronic options such as digital detector gauges and touch screen detectors available, which can be very useful for sewers who need to do precision work. Some of these tools come in kits which include all the necessary components to align the needle accurately.
Important Precautionary Measures
When trying to align the needle on your Brother sewing machine, it is important to always be careful and cautious. This is because you are trying to tinker with the machine, and any error or misdirection can damage the machine, the fabric, and even hurt you in the process.
Always wear hand gloves while adjusting the needle and never forget to tighten the needle screw securely after adjusting the needle. Before aligning the needle, make sure you have read the instructions given in the manual, as this is a important step that shouldn’t be missed. Depending on the type of machine you have, the instructions may vary.
The Benefits of an Accurately Aligned Needle
With an accurately aligned needle, you can achieve flawless stitching for any type of fabrics. This is especially important for sewing very thin, delicate fabrics and for embroidery purposes. The accuracy of the stitches also depends on how well your needle is aligned.
Accurate needle alignment helps to prevent thread breakage, tension problems and wear and tear of the machine parts. Moreover, it helps to avoid any fabric or fabric interactions as well, making sure that the finished product looks exactly as expected. All these advantages can be experienced if the needle is properly aligned.
Conclusion
Aligning the needle on Brother sewing machine is an important process, and requires careful handling. Follow these guidelines and tips, so you can ensure that your machine is working in the best possible condition. With a properly aligned needle, you can achieve perfect stitching and beautiful embroidery every time.
